611.626⅓
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Gerard)
Dear Mr. Gerard: I have read with considerable interest your personal and confidential communication of November 22d, 1915 and have sought to ascertain the real situation as to dye-stuffs and chemicals in this country before I made reply.
It seems to me that the manufacturers of dyestuffs and chemicals in Germany have every reason to fear legislation here. The situation is becoming so difficult for the manufacturers in the United States and so many different classes are being affected by the shortage of dyes and chemicals that legislation protecting these industries will receive every favorable consideration. Many Democrats feel that the Government should take immediate steps towards protecting people who were willing to invest money in plants to help meet the emergency. The output of dyes by the first of the year shows, I am informed, an increase of about six hundred per cent.
With best wishes [etc.]